Mr President, The serious accident in Fushë-Kosovë has greatly saddened Albanians in Albania and wherever they may be. I send my sincere condolences to you and to all the families affected. President of the Republic Sali Berisha

TIRANA. - The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, has received a letter from His Eminence, Baba Rexhepi of Detroit. After [unclear in source] the decoration, he [unclear in source] awarded it; among other things, he says: “Now, as the years passed, the movement for democracy and pluralism also began in Albania, and you placed yourself at the head of the democratic movement in our country. Although I am old and very far from our beloved Homeland, I have followed developments in the situation step by step. When we had the opportunity to meet through Mr Ekrem Bardha here in Detroit, I became convinced that I was dealing with a party leader who was patriotic, steadfast in his views and, above all, honest. This was the reason that made me support you here in diaspora circles. Praying to Almighty God that in the future, together with your comrades and collaborators, He will help you to choose the best course in every given circumstance concerning the destiny and interests of our state and nation, I bring these lines to a close, thanking you and expressing my highest regard. (ATSH)

- MILITARILY, THE CONFLICT IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA “CAN BE RESOLVED WITHIN 72 HOURS”. - WE CONSIDER ALBANIA A FACTOR OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS. PRESS CONFERENCE BY STEFAN SHVARC, CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT MEMBER OF THE BUNDESTAG IN CHARGE OF ISSUES CONCERNING THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA. Yesterday, at around 10:00, Bundestag member Shvarc, who had made a visit of several days to Albania, held a press conference in one of the halls of the Palace of Congresses. Mr Shvarc was accompanied by the chairman of the DP, Mr Eduard Selami. At the beginning of his remarks, Mr Shvarc mentioned the great upheavals that had taken place in Europe over the past two or three years, presenting Albania as their best example. “In this light, we have followed developments in democracy in Albania with very great attention,” he said. The conclusion that can be drawn from meetings with representatives of the Albanian state, as well as from conversations in the street with various people, is that great dynamism is developing here; one can sense and see that progress is being made and that people are optimistic, even though they are aware of the economic difficulties. Speaking about the situation in the region, Mr Shvarc stressed that Albania’s economic situation, too, has been overshadowed by the war in the region. The war in the region can be viewed from several angles—economic, national, etc.—but there is one point that has mainly to do with Milošević’s principle: “I would describe it as the resurgence of A. Hitler in...” Speaking about the fact that America, Germany, Holland and others support strong intervention, Mr Shvarc stressed that this was not a matter of anti-Serbian policy, but of opposition to Milošević—or, rather, a policy in favour of democracy and the protection of human rights.” Regarding the position on refugees, Mr Shvarc explained that it was better to help the countries receiving refugees. Asked whether the people of Bosnia had been sacrificed because of their Muslim faith, Mr Shvarc replied that this was a mistaken notion. There is no war between Christians and Muslims. “The whole situation is connected with Milošević... with Greater Serbia... It is a war by Serbian extremists against everyone who is not Serb.” “We must make this Serbian aim clear.” Further, speaking about Albania’s role, Mr Shvarc said: “We see Albania as a factor of stability in the Balkans.” Regarding Greek policy, he stressed that he viewed part of it with scepticism, “but I have confidence,” he continued, “that we will once again overcome the Greeks’ undertakings.” The poor stressed that Albania’s economic situation, too, is the region can be viewed from several perspectives: economic, national, etc., but there is one point that is entirely connected with Milosheviç’s principle: «I would describe it as Hitler’s rise again in Yugoslavia». If the international community continues to act cautiously toward this phenomenon, there is a great danger that it could lead to the outbreak of the Third World War within this century. The flames of war will move toward Europe. «I would urge you, through your example of stability in the Balkans, to take an even more active role in describing precisely the possibility of a Third World War.» Mr. Selami, who spoke next, thanked Mr. Shvarc and introduced himself as the person appointed by the German parliament to deal with the crisis in the former Yugoslavia. Mr. Selami stressed that, during the talks held with Mr. Shvarc, they had reached common conclusions regarding the crisis in the region and other issues. Deputy Shvarc then answered journalists’ questions. Asked about military intervention by NATO and the UN, Mr. Shvarc said that NATO, the UN and the Defence Committee in his country should try to prevent the Milosheviç phenomenon. «We know the military situation; we also have satellite reconnaissance, to the extent that we can even make out the soldiers’ beards. Of course, we also have highly precise missile systems, and we have our targets as well... We have determined how many bunkers and firing positions there are... It is an issue that can be resolved, to quote a NATO officer, within 72 hours.» Asked about the role of Albania’s representation in his remarks, he views part of it with skepticism, «but I am confident,» he continued, «that we will win over the vast majority of the Greeks». President Jelcin, too, is more interested in democracy prevailing than in those who want to overthrow it. Asked about the role played in resolving the conflict by resolving the Kosovo issue, Mr. Shvarc said that the conflict had taken on a new dimension with the removal of Kosovo’s autonomy. «I am of the opinion that Millosheviçi and those around him do not understand the language of civilization with which we must speak to people. Therefore, they must be told plainly. I am of the opinion that Millosheviç must be stopped militarily.» «It is certain that the Serbian leadership, whether it wants to or not, respects the bravery of the Albanians; but it must also be said that the Americans and other countries have taken initiatives to prevent Millosheviç’s aims.» If the conflict spreads to Kosovo, then bombs will also be dropped on Serbia. This has also been made clear to Serbian President Millosheviç. Answering a question about relations between the parties, Mr. Shvarc stressed the support his party gives to the DP, especially in connection with its joining the European Democratic Union. Mr. Shvarc also answered other questions from journalists. Prepared by: EDI PALOKA

It is deeply painful and distressing to address you today to express my condolences for the terrible disaster in Fushë Kosovë. I would have been happy to convey not condolences, but congratulations on our shared cause and ideals. At a time of unprecedented occupation-led genocide and violations of freedom and human rights, which our people are unjustly forced to endure, they must also experience further tragedies. This is a great loss not only for the victims’ families, to whom I offer my sincere condolences, but for all Albanians. Dear Mr Prime Minister, please accept my condolences as well, and my hope that we will meet very soon and discuss advancing our cause and, undoubtedly, a new era for all Albanians in their lands and wherever they may be. Yours, ALFRED SE...EQI

VLORA. - In a conversation with Edmond Beqiri, head of Urban Planning at the Municipality of the city of Vlora, we learned that the Council for the Approval and Regulation of the Territory of this district recently approved a plan for construction plots. It includes a large number of structures to be built near the fuel depot, such as two- to three-storey villas, hotels and other buildings. The state will intervene only with engineering networks on these plots, where work is underway to complete them with infrastructure networks. The investors who will construct buildings on these plots will be private. The project was designed by engineer Arben Meksi.

With the first phase of the reconstruction of Rinas Airport completed, processing of more... will become possible.

TIRANA. - The first phase of the master plan for the reconstruction of Rinas Airport, for which the Ministry of Transport and Communications has also announced a competition, envisages a series of works, beginning with the reconstruction of the runway and connecting roads, the reconstruction of the aircraft parking area, the construction of the control tower and the air traffic control building, and the installation of the lighting and power-distribution systems, etc. This phase has been conceived as the emergency phase—that is, intervention to reconstruct and improve the existing conditions as much as possible. Once it is completed, it will be possible to handle up to 500,000 passengers a year. In the second phase, conceived as the modernization phase, this number will double. According to the master plan, expenditure for the first phase will amount to 110 million DM, or around 65 million dollars. The competition among firms and companies will be conducted on the basis of a complete financial and technical-economic package, to be offered by the firms and companies themselves. So far, 28 firms have registered for the announced competition, of which 15 have also been deemed the most suitable to continue in the contest. Meanwhile, registration of other firms is continuing, as the competition remains open until September 15. On October 3, the winner or winners will be announced, and the process of signing contracts will proceed. Work on the first phase of the reconstruction is expected to begin during August, and reconstruction of the runway is to be completed within the year. (ATSH)

The ship «Jose Maria» arrived at the port of Durrës these days, and 5,700 tons of wheat, aid from the European Community, are being unloaded from it. In a conversation with Llukjan Janin, director of the Directorate of Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, we learned that during September 5,000 tons of butter will arrive at the port of Durrës. Four shipments of 500 tons of olive oil each will also arrive, and the remaining 2,100 tons of meat will be delivered; all of these are aid from the European Community. Also during September, various ships will bring 22,150 tons of rice to this port, aid from the American people and government. These shipments will be transported by commercial and private vessels, while the receiving districts are making arrangements to store the goods.

In an article published as the lead editorial in the newspaper «Alternativa SD» on 25.8.1993, its author draws a highly distorted and wholly unfair parallel, comparing the newspaper «ZP», the 52-year-old organ of PP(S), with «RD», the three-year-old organ of the Democratic Party. It is not merely the age that distinguishes these two newspapers, but first and foremost the distinct political position of each. While «ZP», the newspaper of the communists of all eras, is committed to efforts to revive communism, to reform efforts and to spreading a fatalistic view of the future of Albanians, «RD» has fought and plays a historic role in the overthrow of communism, the affirmation of democratic values, and the progressive orientation toward the future development of Albanian society. In this uninterrupted political struggle, «RD» has not been spurred on by the beatings it has suffered, nor by the article-writing propaganda of K. Kasa, who declared «ZP» ... and PS as far back as March 23, 1992, precisely one day after the Democrats came to power, and which has continued to this day in the form of an endless campaign. This campaign, with wholly destabilizing and destructive aims, has been pursued by neither ... «RD» nor the DP has desired it, nor do they desire it; rather, they stand for tolerance and understanding. «RD»’s offers of an agreement for national reconciliation have not prevented «ZP» or the PS from escalating their anti-Albanian offensive, up to signing the shameful pact with PASOK or calling for counterrevolution and civil war. Overall, «RD» has never written anything like «today in Albania everyone is waging a war, everyone has ... employed»; the article writer «A. SD» deliberately distorts this. We have consistently emphasized that democracy is at the heart of a living, popular sacrifice. But this has not prevented «ZP», nor «Alternativa SD», from stirring up propaganda and false, excessive flattery of people ... In «Political war with reality», the author falls into a political and philosophical parallelism by daring to compare the DP with the PS. The idea that all parties are governing and persistent propagandists, and the comparison of the DP with the PS, mark the height of the madness and anti-democratic spirit of «Alternativa»’s article. This propaganda was published even before the DP came to power, with an entirely clear aim: to tarnish the DP’s image among the people. The same propaganda is being disseminated today by «ZP», «Alternativa SD» and some other communist newspaper, to claim that the DP is not much different from the state party. All of this has remained merely a communist ploy and an expression of despair, because not only the DP’s program, its ideas and its activity as a party in power, but also the entire international arena bear witness to its efforts for freedom, for a humane spirit in the state, and for the historical and present-day reality of our lives.

- Arsidi, Majdin Sejdia No. 2 - - Democracy means implementation of the law... Yesterday again, the trial in the case against the defendants Vilson Ahmeti, former prime minister, Agron Salihi and Agim Tartari continued at the Tirana court. The hearing opened with the closing arguments of the case prosecutor, Ilir Marku. Among other things, he said that this criminal offense contained all the elements required for a conviction for abuse of office, as provided for in Articles 106 and 13 of the Penal Code. The defendants favored the French citizen, Nikolla Arsidi. Acting intentionally and in cooperation with one another, they violated the laws in force and their official duties. The damage caused by these unlawful actions amounts to hundreds of millions of lekë. At the conclusion of his closing arguments, prosecutor Marku also proposed to the court the penalties under Articles 106 and 13 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Albania. Accordingly, defendant Agron Salihi is to be sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment, defendant Ahmet Tartari to 7 years, and former prime minister Vilson Ahmeti to 2 years’ imprisonment. Attorney Sanxhaku then took the floor and asked the court for three days to prepare the defense. Attorney Hoxha joined his request. The court agreed to these requests and decided that the next hearing would open on Monday, August 30, at 9:00. DYLEJMAN KARAJ

We are surprised by the special note in the newspaper «Populli» of 21 August 1993 claiming that «RD» also rejected an article by Mero Bazë, director of internal information at ATSH. This article came neither through the door, nor through the windows, nor by fax to our editorial office. Mr Mero may have thought of bringing it, but the fact is that he did not take that step. He knows better than anyone why. I urge the editors of the newspaper «Populli» not to make up such fabrications and play such games again. The editorial board of «RD»